Confession Under the Stars
A serene hilltop overlooking the castle grounds, lit by countless stars. Kei, dressed in a formal tunic, arranges a picnic blanket and a lantern, muttering to himself.
Kei
(grumbling) Romantic evening under the stars, huh? Xue, this better work. I’m not exactly a fan of playing matchmaker with myself.
System [Xue]
(In Kei’s head) Oh, relax. You’re nailing it. Prince Charming can’t resist a classic stargazing setup.
Kei
(rolling his eyes) Yeah, well, let’s hope your plan doesn’t include me singing love ballads.
System [Xue]
(snickering) Don’t tempt me.
Auren arrives, his face lighting up at the sight of the hilltop setup.
Auren
(smiling shyly) Sir Kei... what is all this?
Kei
(shrugs, feigning nonchalance) Just thought we could take a break from the chaos. You’ve been working hard, Auren. You deserve this.
System [Xue]
(mock whisper) Smooth operator, right there.
Auren
(blushing) It’s... beautiful. Thank you.
They sit on the blanket, sharing food and idle conversation. The atmosphere is calm, yet a nervous tension lingers between them.
Auren
(looking up at the sky) I’ve never seen the stars so clearly before.
Kei
(teasing) That’s because you’re always hiding in the castle.
Auren
(Chuckles softly) I suppose you’re right. It’s... easier to stay in my comfort zone.
Kei
(serious tone) But you’re more than that, Auren. I’ve seen how much you care for your people, how brave you are when it matters.
Auren
(turning to Kei, surprised) You think I’m brave?
Kei
(smiling) Of course. You just need someone to remind you of it sometimes.
A soft chime echoes in Kei’s head.
System Notification: Affection Points +15
System [Xue]
(amused) Aww, look at you, the perfect charmer. Keep going, Romeo.
Kei
(internally) Don’t push it, Xue.
Auren hesitates, his hands fidgeting nervously. He takes a deep breath, his cheeks faintly red.
Auren
Sir Kei... I have to tell you something.
Kei
(Raising an eyebrow) What’s on your mind?
Auren
(looking down) I’ve always felt like I didn’t belong. Like I wasn’t strong enough to lead. But... ever since you came into my life, I’ve started to believe in myself again.
Auren
(Finally meeting Kei’s gaze) You make me feel like I can be better. Like I’m not alone anymore. I think... I think I’ve fallen for you.
The air grows still as Auren’s words hang between them. A soft chime rings in Kei’s head, louder this time.
System Notification: Mission Complete! Affection Meter Full.
System [Xue]
(excitedly) Bingo! You did it! Mission accomplished!
Kei
(internally) Wait, what happens now?
System [Xue]
You’re about to find out. Buckle up!
Before Kei can respond to Auren, a bright light engulfs him. Auren’s face is filled with confusion and panic as Kei begins to vanish.
Auren
(reaching out) Kei! What’s happening?!
Kei’s words are cut off as the light pulls him away. Auren’s voice fades into the distance.
The white void. Kei blinks, disoriented, as Xue appears in his vision, clapping slowly.
System [Xue]
Well done, Casanova. One world down, 49 more to go.
Kei
(glaring) You could’ve warned me I’d just disappear like that!
System [Xue]
(shrugging) Where’s the fun in that? Anyway, ready for your next adventure?
Kei
(sighs) Do I have a choice?
System [Xue]
(grinning) Nope.
A portal opens, glowing with an eerie red light. Kei stares at it warily.
Kei
(muttering) This better not involve taming dragons again.
System [Xue]
(smirking) Oh, don’t worry. This time, it’s way worse.
![System [Xue]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/4540496/avatar/21977512/1648837510404.webp-s200webp?sign=c8754a57ee1cbce2fa65b74472edba0e&t=68861210)
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